Helpful hints and friendly notes from the world-acclaimed photography instructors at BetterPhoto.com

July 04, 2011

GPS Add-on Units for DSLR Cameras

Q:You recently discussed point-and-shoot cameras with a built-in GPS receiver, but I use a digital SLR. What add-on GPS unit do you recommend for such cameras?

Answer: Well, that depends on the brand and model of DSLR. Any camera that employs an SD or MemoryStick Duo series card will work well with a GPS device from Sony, the GPS-CS3KA. And most of the recent mid-range to high-end Nikon DLSRs accept either of three units: Nikon's GP-1 and two new models from Easytagger http://www.easytagger.ca . The latter offers Easytag models for most Nikon DSLRs, a conventional device with cable connection to the camera and one using Bluetooth technology. (Check the specs for your Nikon DSLR re: compatibility with the GP-1 or check the Easytagger web site for the availability of a cable for your specific camera.)

A GPS receiver - such as the Easytag models (for Nikon DLSRs only) that I am testing - is ideal for travel photography anywhere in the world. Before buying one, be sure that the device is compatible with the camera you own; if it employs a connecting cable, order the one that is required to fit your specific Nikon DSLR model. (c)Peter K. Burian

The Nikon and Easytagger models automatically add the exact latitude/longitude/altitude for each of photo to the image's EXIF data folder. You can view the information instantly in Playback mode or later, show it on a map with imaging software or an on-line photo album at a site such as Picasaweb www.picasaweb.com or Panoramio www.panoramio.com . The Sony GPS-CS3KA requires an extra step. After shooting for some time, insert the SD/SDHC or Memory Stick Duo card from the camera into the external device. Pressing a couple of buttons will cause it to apply the geo-tag data to your image files.

In my tests, the Nikon GP-1 usually acquired location data from satellites in 45 seconds; this unit draws power from the camera's battery. In preliminary testing, the Easytag GPS modules (which employ a rechargeable built-in battery) were almost as quick. The Sony GPS-CS3KA device (which employs one AA battery) sometimes took several minutes to acquire the location but I did not consider that to be a problem. Note too that all four GPS receivers can continue geo-tagging photos when you go indoors; they simply use the last location data that was received from the satellites.

You can use either an external or a built-in GPS receiver to record the location data for your photos. This feature is useful when you want to remember exactly where each image was made and also when sharing your photos with friends in an on-line album at Picasaweb or Panoramio. (Ephesus, Turkey) (c)Peter K. Burian

When first acquiring the signals, any type of GPS receiver is most reliable in open areas with a clear view of the sky; the triangulation may not work in a canyon or on a street with tall buildings. All four of the tested models were reliable in most locations and accurate in identifying the latitude/longitude to within 10-20 meters; that's fine for photo applications. I can recommend any of them for frequent travelers. While location mapping may not be essential, it's definitely nice to have and it's a cool extra that your friends will appreciate while viewing your on-line albums.

SLR is short of Single Lens Reflex and it refers to a camera which has prism and mirror inside for reflecting photographic image in to viewfinder of the camera. D stands for Digital and hence the name dSLR.